For Richmond Sports Fans: Redskins, Hokies Headed In Opposite Directions

At one time, Richmonders regularly traveled up I-95 expecting a Redskins victory. Joe Gibbs patrolled the sidelines, the Hogs controlled the offensive line and the Hogettes did what Hogettes do.

The atmosphere today is slightly different.  There’s a modern, state of the art stadium, the team has another eccentric owner and traffic can be just plain frustrating.

Probably the worst thing about Washington football these days are the disheartening discussions on the way home.  Quarterbacks getting benched, players suspended, and even the sight of Dan Snyder would make even the most optimistic Redskin fan quiver.

Snyder brought in veteran coach Mike Shanahan to run the football operation. Donovan McNabb arrived to assume the quarterback duties, and defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was expected to excel in his second season with the Redskins. Guarded optimism prevailed, but not for long.

Shanahan was ridiculed for benching McNabb during a second-straight loss to the Detroit Lions, McNabb hasn’t been consistent and Haynesworth has recently been suspended for the remainder of the season.

The team that once won three Super Bowls in a 10 year stretch (1983, 1988, 1992), has now lost four of its last five games. Translated, that means being out of the playoff picture since backup QB Todd Collins guided the team into the 2007 post season.

The route is different, but many Richmond football fans also travel a long distance to see their favorite team.

The Virginia Tech Hokies, however, are headed in the opposite direction. Thanks to last Saturday’s 44-33 ACC title game win over Florida State, the No. 12 Hokies will be playing in the Discover Orange Bowl game against No. 5 Stanford. It will be the Hokies 18th straight post-season appearance and the first ever match-up with Jim Harbaugh’s Cardinal.

Tech has pieced together an 11-game winning streak since losing back-to-back battles with Boise State and FCS James Madison.  

For Stanford, playing in such lofty company is certainly something new. Just four seasons go, Stanford finished 1-11, then hired the former Michigan and Chicago Bears QB. 

Obviously, Stanford has made a quick assent. The Cardinal are now 11-1, including winning its last seven straight. 

This year’s Hokie edition is no different than many in the past. Strong defense, explosive special teams, a good running game and versatility at quarterback have been Frank Beamer’s mantra for many years.